Governor Fallin signed legislation Thursday which will provide training to teachers helping them use technology to teach their students. House Bill 1576 was written by Rep. Chad Caldwell and Senator Gary Stanislawski and meets a goal set by the Governor’s Oklahoma Connect and Learn Initiative.

“House Bill 1576 provides current and future teachers with professional development and training in digital and instructional technologies to enhance classroom instruction,” said Fallin. “Oklahoma has outstanding teachers in our classrooms, and by incorporating digital content and resources into classroom lessons, students will have access to global resources through technology. I have prioritized education and workforce through both my Oklahoma Works and my Connect and Learn initiatives, as I believe we need to have a “future ready” citizenry. I am grateful to the hard work of Rep. Caldwell and Sen. Stanislawski in shepherding this legislation through to my desk.”

HB 1576 compels the Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability to adopt rules to incorporate coursework or training in the use of digital and instructional technologies within teacher preparation programs. It also requires schools to do the same within their local development programs for teachers.